The National Museum of Scotland has natural history, science and technology in a stunning building (just given a £46 million make-over). The Museum on the Mound (history of banking – go and see if it has been brought up-to-date!) and the Museum of Surgery in Surgeon’s Hall (not for the squeamish!) give a different view of Edinburgh.

Wander down the Royal Mile from Castle to Palace, climb Calton Hill for the panorama of the Old Town (for even better views climb the Nelson Monument, not free). Admire the 105 marbles of the Scotsman Steps between North Bridge and Market Street (for a list see page 9 of the September 2011 Newsletter). The quad of the monumental Old College (Robert Adam and William Playfair) is open to the public. On weekdays, the public may enter Old Parliament Hall (behind St Giles, free) and mingle with the lawyers while admiring the 1638 timber roof; you may even sit in on a trial (ask at the desk). Guided tours of the Scottish Parliament are free but must be booked in advance.

Climb Arthur’s Seat (our own volcano). Relax in Princes Street Gardens or many of the small green spaces tucked down closes. Greenyonder Tours do walking tours of city centre gardens. The kirkyards at Greyfriars Kirk and Canongate Kirk are also worth visiting; both have good views, greenery and interesting monuments.

Permanent national collections and consistently excellent temporary exhibitions at the National Gallery of Scotland (don’t miss the Impressionists on the first floor towards the rear) and the National Museum of Scotland (if the artefacts get too much, chill out in the roof garden).